Can't get your foot in the door with a publisher?

Does the whole process feel daunting to you?

You CAN get your game signed
with a publisher. I can help.

I've been designing board games for the past 5 years and I have helped over 1,300 game designers just like you through:

My #1 international best-selling book, The Board Game Designer's Guide

Teaching Game Design and Development at Wilfrid Laurier University

My online Board Game Design Course, and

Coaching and mentoring programs

In the past year alone I have:

Signed 4 games with established publishers, all scheduled to be released in 2019 and 2020

Designed or co-designed over a dozen new games

Collaborated on my 2nd Kickstarter campaign and have begun to work on my third collaboration

Some people are amazing game designers.

Some people are amazing teachers.

Learn from someone who is recognized as both.

I've helped many other designers turn good games into great games and I want to help you get your game finished and signed with a publisher.

Here are just some of the publishers I have connections to:

“Without a doubt, if I had read Joe’s book back in 1989, it would have accelerated my progress and potential as a game designer by decades.”
Jamey Stegmaier
Designer of Scythe, one of the top 10 board games of all time

Stop feeling like your game's not
good enough and a publisher won’t even give you the time of day

You feel like your game is just ok, but isn’t as good as a lot of other games you've played.

Maybe you didn’t even know how to start, since you were more of a gamer and didn’t really know much about game design.

You're struggling with the balance between keeping your game simple and making it challenging enough that people want to play it.

You’ve probably been reading game design blogs, listening to podcasts, and trying to get better as a game designer, yet that nagging feeling keeps returning.

You have to constantly remind yourself that people really do love your game and that you will find a publisher.

Yet you feel you will always have this "Imposter Syndrome".

It’s ok. It’s all part of the process. We only get better by doing and studying others who are further ahead than us.

Remember that when you see a published game, you're watching the highlight reel. You're only seeing the shiny, finished product, not all the hours of blood, sweat, and tears that went into the game. That game once looked just like your first prototype. Maybe worse.

Find time to work on your game and find the right publisher,
even if you have a full-time job and a 3-hour commute

You come home from your job feeling drained. You can’t even find the time or the energy to work on your game.

You’re not alone.

The #1 issue that game designers have is finding the time to work on their game.

Let’s face it. Sometimes it’s difficult to set aside enough time to iterate your game and make a new prototype. And don't even get me started on the process of trying to find a publisher!

You’re sure there are must be a better way to get your game in front of the right publisher.

You could spend $33,568 on a 4-year degree in Wilfrid Laurier's Game Design and Development Program, but you don't have to.

If only you had some extra help and support…

When your buddies ask
"Hey, how's the game coming along?", you won’t have to quickly
change the subject anymore

You started your game night by asking "Guys, do you want to try my game?" and then ended up having everyone leave early. Suddenly everyone had to be up early the next morning... on a Saturday.

You wished you’d just kept your mouth shut.

But without that first playtest, you wouldn’t have even gotten started. You should be proud that you've made it this far.

But now you’re struggling to figure out exactly how to take your game to the next level so that a publisher will be dying to try your game.

You made a great game. Now you’re asking yourself “how do I get it published?”

You needguidance from someone who has the experience and who’s been there before, so that the next time your friends ask you about your game, you won’t cringe at your shelf with shame, but rather tell them all about that contract you just signed with your favorite publisher.

No more agonizing over your
rule book and worrying that a publisher will never get to your prototype

Rule books are the bane of a game designer’s existence.

We’ve all read rule books for published games that were so bad that we tossed the game back on the shelf because we didn’t even know how to get started. What do you think will happen if that publisher you've been courting can't understand your rules? Will they even play your prototype?

You don’t want your game to suffer the same fate just because something wasn’t explained well.

You need a simple step-by-step process that will nearly write your rulebook for you, so that publishers will easily understand your game and want to sign it, based on the elegance of your rulebook alone.

Discover why Kickstarter
isn’t always the answer
(and what might actually
work much better for you)

“My Kickstarter is off to a bit of a slow start, and I'm not sure why. What am I doing wrong?”

This is something you constantly hear as a game designer.

You never want to be that guy. You know, the one who only gets 3 backers (his mom, his dog, and that guy who backs every single campaign for $1).

So many designers put their game up on Kickstarter because that’s what they think they have to do. They don’t realize how much work this really is or how to do it well.

There are times when Kickstarter is a good option but there are other times when it’s the worst choice you can make. Knowing this can mean the difference between designing games for years to come and having your first game be your last.

You're thinking: "There are hundreds of publishers out there, all of them looking for the next hit game… So why won’t any of them return my emails?!?!”

Everybody else is getting
their game published.
It's your turn.

Are you frustrated that you keep seeing more and more games coming out, but you can’t find a publisher for your own game?

These other designers must be doing something that you’re not.

You’re constantly asking yourself…

Am I reaching out to the right publishers?

Are they even reading my emails?

What does it take to set up just one meeting?

Why won’t somebody publish my game?!?!

If you are randomly sending cold emails to publishers who’ve never heard of you, there are better ways to get their attention.

I want to share with you how I’ve been so successful in getting multiple games signed with different publishers so that you can get your games signed, too.

Never struggle to find a publisher for your game again

The Creation to Publication Program was created to help game designers just like you finish their game and find a publisher.

There’s no more guesswork.

The Creation to Publication Program will...

Help you find the perfect publisher for your game

Give you the confidence to reach out to that publisher and get a response

Provide you with the tools you need to build strong relationships in the industry that will help you for years to come

I’ll guide you down the right path. And I will be with you every step of the way.

“The course really helped me understand the process involved in designing a board game.
Joe is a great instructor. He is able to ask probing questions that help to draw out answers so he can assist you with your game design.”
David Neal,
Board Game Design Course student

Introducing

Creation to Publication Program

How my program will help you

Here's what you can expect when you join The Creation to Publication Program:

Discover how to create a game that publishers will actually be excited about playing

Understand how to get your game published without having to run your own business and go into debt

Master how to document your rules in a way that won't give you a headache

Discover how the pros get their games signed and how you can use these same steps to get your game published faster and earn more from your game

I'm committed to helping you
finish your game and
find the right publisher

Here's what you'll experience in The Creation to Publication Program:

Improve your skills quickly wherever you are with live online training from an experienced game designer and instructor

Ask a question, get an answer. You’ll never be stuck again.

Actionable training that will push you to get your game done, but at a pace that you can easily keep up with

Real-time feedback on your game, sell sheet, and pitch tohelp you land a publisher faster

Templates, checklists, and other resources you won't find anywhere else

Engage with and learn from other game designers just like you

Here's exactly what you get when you join The Creation to Publication Program

When you join The Creation to Publication Program you'll get:

A live online group training and coaching program led by me that will walk you step-by-step through the process of turning your game into a product that publishers will be lining up for

8 live group training and coaching calls (every week on Saturday 11am EST)

Lifetime access to all the replay lessons and resources

8 weeks of access to the Private Members Only Community

Content is tailored to you, answering any questions you have

Expert advice and guidance throughout the program from an experienced board game designer and instructor

Join the pilot program and save!

This will be the first offering of The Creation to Publication Program, so I'm offering this at a ridiculously reduced rate for you right now.

This pilot program will be much more personalized for you, as I will be teaching all the lessons and answering all your questions live.

So, join now, save big, and get more time with me than I'll be able to offer any of my future students.

Bonuses and additional details

If you’re looking for a more personalized approach to help take your game to the next level faster, then the Premium Coaching Plan was made for you. I'll work directly with you to help you make your game even better and find that publisher even faster.

With the Premium Coaching Plan you'll get everything in the Creation to Publication Platinum Program ($1,200+ value), plus...

Four 60-minute personal 1-on-1 coaching calls with me to answer any questions you have, review your game, or help you in any other way ($800 value)

A full playthrough of your game with my feedback and suggestions on how to take it from good to great (online through Steam) ($400 value)

Plus all these bonuses...

Fulllifetime access to the original Board Game Design Course, which will take you from “Inspiration to Creation” and help you get started faster with 31 modules - includes video, audio MP3s, and written transcripts ($499 value)

An additional 2 Years of access to the Private Members Only Community ($480 value)

A behind-the-scenes look at my game design process, tools, and software ($125 value)

My best-selling ebook, The Board Game Designer's Guide ($10 value)

An early copy of my next ebook before anyone else ($10 value)

That's over $3,000 in total value.

I’m so confident that you’ll love The Creation to Publication Program and will be able to improve your game and find a publisher that I stand behind it 100% with my Ripped-Up Legacy Card Guarantee.

If you try out the program and decide it's not right for you, take the receipt and rip it up like a card in a legacy game and I’ll give you all your money back. You have a full 30 days from the start of the course for a full refund.

I want everyone who joins the program to be confident and excited to be able to finish their game and pitch it to the right publishers, and if you’re not, please let me know.

There's zero risk to you.

I’m happy to refund your money if the program isn’t right for you. No hard feelings. :)

But don't just take it from me.
Here's what others have to say.

“In board game design, there's a limit to how much you can learn just from reading books and blogs; Joe has a firm grasp on industry trends, important networks to follow, and knows what it takes to get a game published.”

Patrick Hardy,

Mentorship Program student

"Joe really cares and wants to help. He is fully genuine in wanting everyone to succeed. He is constantly putting out content and the course continues to get better. Wherever you are on the journey, I know you’ll benefit from Joe's experience."
Neil Baker,
Board Game Design Course student

"The course was helpful in creating a support system for me. It created a community of fellow designers that were experiencing the same difficulties that I was having. I have already recommended the Board Game Design Course to others getting into game design."
Chris Cormier,
Board Game Design Course student

“It doesn't matter if you’re working on game number 1 or game number 100. Joe takes you through all the steps so you don't miss anything."
Juan Becerril,
Telomander Games

"When it comes to teaching, Joe is a natural communicator. Apart from being an amazing communicator, he is a listener, which in my opinion is an essential asset in problem-solving and game design."
Sylvain Plante,
Game designer

“I would definitely recommend working with Joe. He has a lot of experience to share.”

Amelie Le-Roche,

Mentoring Program student

Know when your game is ready and
how to pitch it to the
right publisher effectively

A player asks a game designer “how do you know when your game is done?”

The game designer replies “when I’m sick of it.” (Bah-dum-ching!)

Knowing when your game is done is one of the biggest challenges game designers face.

Rather than aiming to do 200 playtests and hoping this will answer the question, there are many better and faster ways to get your game finished and ready to pitch to publishers.

The Creation to Publication Program will help you to pitch to the right publishers, which will also save you a ton of time and frustration. You'll also discover how to build strong relationships with every publisher you meet.

It’s not just about the game you’re pitching today, it’s also about the game you’ll be pitching a year from now. I understand the power of relationships and how to leverage board game networks to get games signed with publishers.

I’ll show you how to figure out the hook for your game and come up with an effective elevator pitch.

You’ll also discover how to design a sell sheet that will have publishers salivating.

The Creation to Publication Program can help you turn a publisher’s response from “I’ll pass” to “I want to sign this game NOW!”

Avoid the dangerous
contract mistakes that most
new designers make

Wouldn’t it be amazing to see your game on the store shelf with your name right there on the box?

Picking up your game box, you'll finally realize all your hard work has come to fruition.

Watching other people introduce your game to their friends and have an amazing time, then those friends immediately heading to their game store to get a copy of their own.

Now, how would it feel if you got ripped off? If the publisher took advantage of your inexperience? And now, they own the rights not only to this game, but every other game you create in the future.

Many new designers are so eager to get that first game published, that they’ll sign just about anything put in front of them.

And that’s where their game design journey ends. After they realize they’ve made a horrible mistake, and there’s no turning back.

I won’t let this happen to you.

I’ve seen a lot of contracts. Both bad and good.

In The Creation to Publication Pogram, I’ll show you exactly what to look for and what to avoid, along with how to earn more from your game with one simple request that most publishers don’t bat an eye at, yet many designers simply overlook.

"I feel my game has gotten closer to publication and when it comes to pitching it, I know I can apply the knowledge I gained from Joe.

I would highly recommend Joe, as he is easy to work with and can help with many different aspects of your design process."

Adam Leamey,

Mentorship Program student

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I pay?

You can pay by any major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, etc.) or by PayPal.

What makes The Creation to Publication Program different?

Not only is the program taught by an actual game designer who has also taught and written a book on game design, it's also the only program that includes live teaching, a membership community, and answers all your questions. I don't just hand you the materials and say "good luck", I walk you through everything step-by-step and I am involved the whole way through, helping you every step of the way.

What stage should my game be at when I join?

To get the most out of the course, you should have a working prototype of your game and a basic knowledge of games and mechanics. Still, anyone who is interested in having their game published one day will gain a huge benefit from the program. Plus, you'll have access for life, so you can always return to the program anytime. If you're still not sure and you have any questions, please email me: joe@boardgamedesigncourse.com

Is there a guarantee if I don’t like the course or change my mind?

Yes! I’m so confident that you’ll love the course and will be able to create your own game that I stand behind it 100% with my Ripped-Up Legacy Card Guarantee. You'll find all the details above.

What if I can’t make one of the live training and coaching calls?

Don’t worry! All calls will be recorded and available on replay within 1-2 days. Plus, you can always ask your questions in advance and have them answered on the call, even if you can’t make it live.

What if I get busy during the program and have to stop?

No problem! You'll get unlimited LIFETIME ACCESS to all the videos and resources in the program. So, the program will still be here for you when you're ready.

Creation to Publication Program

Deal me in!

It’s time to make a decision.

You can continue to dream about your game and think “one day I’ll get around to finishing my game and finding a publisher…”

Or, you can join The Creation to Publication Program today, and finally feel what it’s like to getyour game out to the world!

Remember, this is a pilot program and will not be offered again at this low rate. You'll also receive live group training and coaching that won't be offered again at this level in the future.

Think of it this way: If you could invest $1 today to get $2 tomorrow, wouldn't you? Of course you would!

The average advance payment on your game could be worth $500-$1,000 or more. That alone is much more than the investment in the Creation to Publication Program. Plus, I'll share my secrets to help you earn even more on your game.

You CAN get your game published and you CAN make money on this, too. All from doing something you love and that you're doing right now anyway!

You don't have to figure this out all on your own. I want to help you. But the only way I can help you is if you invest in yourself and your game today. Join now!

Let me help you achieve all your game design goals.

Enrollment for the next session of The Creation to Publication Program is coming soon!

You've read this far, so I know you're serious about wanting to get your game published.

Class is in progress, but enrollment will open again soon, so get on the
waitlist now and I'll let you know as soon as the program opens again.